OT - end of school gifts for teachers

[funnybone]

It's that time of year again when school is out and I'd like to get a gift for my sons teachers. I usually spend about $15 each, give or take, but am not sure what to get. There are only so many picture frames and candles one wants to buy. Not knowing food preferences, I don't like to give food.

So, for you teachers out there, what are some of the best gifts you have recieved from students in the past? For you parents, what are some of the gifts you give (if any)?

[Tiger]

I'm not a teacher, but almost everyone in my family is and I can tell you don't get anything that says teacher or #1 teacher, ect. Believe me they have enought of that stuff!!LOL

[Beth Y]

I got my kids teachers Gift cards from Target last time and they were well received, I mean, who couldn't use one?

I am looking for more suggestions, since I feel bad doing the same thing again.

[schuh]

What a great question to post. I can't wait to see the replies.

From having a roommate (in my single days) who was a teacher, I know they don't need Christmas ornaments, candy dishes, etc., so I try to focus on consumables or things you can't have too many of.

Last year I gave pots of mixed annuals, which they could use on their decks or incorporate into their gardens. If you're creative you could even decorate the pot. For a young speech therapist my son had, I once gave a bag full of supplies like stickers, etc. (Many schools don't provide extras, so teachers have to purchase those items out of their own pockets.) Last year I gave teachers a beach towel, sports bottle and sunscreen and told them to "relax" for the summer. At Christmas time last year I did the layered mixes in a jar (do experiment with the recipes and make sure they taste good -- some are better than others). I noticed other moms giving rose bushes and Bruegger's gift cards -- thought those were good ideas. Hope this helps -- and hoping to get some new ideas!

P.S. Can I tack on to this a question about what people usually spend, especially on the gift cards?

[This message has been edited by schuh (edited 05-29-2001).]

[This message has been edited by schuh (edited 05-29-2001).]

[AndreaU]

As a new teacher, I can say that books and goodies for the classroom are always nice. Even gift certificates and gift cards for places that sell classroom things (Barnes & Noble for books, Hammett's Learning World, Media Play, craft stores, etc.) are great too. That way the teacher can pick out certain things that the classroom could really use, like nice new books, videos, decorations, supplies, etc. (On a personal note, I LOVE candles... I can never get too many!)

[kwormann]

I also agree gift certificates to Target, Half Price Books, or a teacher store are good since we spend so much of our own money on supplies...I personally spent 600.00 at the beginning of this year to get it going, then who knows how much through the year!

[SusanL]

I truly appreciate books to read aloud to the class. It invokes memories of the students and many of the great times we shared. When I get gift certificates, I always buy books and place the student's name in them and put them in our bookcase for others to share.

[funnybone]

Thanks for your ideas and thoughts. I was thinking of a gift certificate from Barnes and Noble or even Zainy Brainy.

Well, keep the ideas coming - I have until the end of next week to decide. Thanks again.

[chefbec]

I always give my kids' teachers a Pampered Chef Tool Turnabout to hold pens, pencils, rulers, markers, etc. The teachers have always loved that, and it's $14.75. But you'll have tax and shipping, so that may be more than you want to spend. Just wanted to give you the idea. They've also gotten books that they requested (I usually do that at Christmas). Often the library has a list of books that the teachers have wanted.

[DmOrtega]

My daughter and a classmate of hers spent an afternoon together. They happened to draw a picture of their teacher. Both worked on the same picture. They wanted to give it to her and we decided to have them sign and date the picture, then we took it to U-Frame it. They helped us pick out a really cute frame and border for the picture. The cost was reasonable and the girls were very proud of it and the teacher loved it.

[cas]

REad aloud books are great gift for a teacher. Anything personal from the child is wonderful too, such as a handwritten note, ect. I am a teacher and have also given flowering plants and movie tickets!
Home made cookies are great!

[ewatkins]

At the two schools my kids have attended, we always pool our money and then you can get a pretty nice gift certificate. We send a note out to the parents asking that whoever is interested send in a donation, usually $10-15. I have gotten massages, dinners at a restaurant, Target and other gift certificates. It is fun to tailor it to an interest of the teacher -- garden shop, art supply store, etc.
If you're getting an individual gift, I would eliminate "things" and go for the Gift card --you can get one for $10 almost anywhere these days. Some ideas: Starbucks, video store, Barnes and Noble, music store, etc.
And finally, teachers always appreciate a personal note from you and/or your child.

[cammiller]

For the teacher? Car wash certificates ... gift certificate to the teacher supply store ... pre-paid long distance calling card

Don't forget those high school teachers. They often don't get recognition. A thank you note from a graduating student to a teacher who made a difference will be kept for years.

Cam

[hka]

Gosh, it makes me wish I was a teacher! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif You could also give a gift certificate to Baskin Robins or Jamba Juice (if there's one in your area).

[Mbart]

I'm sure gift certificates are appreciated, but if you want to give a "hard" gift, a teacher friend of mine said to be sure to give teachers something "consumable" e.g., candles, food items, flowers, etc. She agreed with the previous comment regarding the fact that there are only so many ornaments, knick-knacks, etc., one has places for.

[KarenNC]

A plant is always appreciated. A gerber daisy is lovely this time of year and can be planted in the yard or enjoyed indoors (must have sunny spot)If planted in yard they return the next year to show their pretty face (at least in the south).
If anyone needs suggestions for high school grads I have a few.

[foodiedelite]

I go with gift certificates. As mentioned earlier to a bookstore or a Teaching Supply
Store. How about a gift certificate for a massage or manicure?

Plenty of teachers in the family. They get lots of candy, nuts, perfumes (Avon especially), #1 Teacher "Anything."

[funnybone]

Thanks again for your ideas. I think I will go for the gift certificates or movie tickets. I will get the two teachers different ones though, as they have completely different personalities.

[jldill]

I'm mostly repeating here, but couldn't pass on responding. After several years of watching my best friend (a teacher) receiving holiday and end-of-year gifts from students, I've seen quite a few. Unfortunately (for her, but good for a charity), she ends up giving away a share of the gifts that she'll never use. Unless you really know the teacher's taste, stay away from jewelry, clothes, decorative stuff, and knick-knacks (vases, candles, etc.). Even bath stuff can be a problem if the scent is something she (usually a she) doesn't like. But, if it can be exchanged, that can work. She always gets some chocolate or other sweets, but being on Weight Watchers, she usually puts that out in the lounge for others to eat. The gifts I know she's really appreciated are ones that involved some creativity from the kid (e.g. a painted pot with plant in it), or fit her personally (e.g. a hiking book for the region, knowing that she hikes). She gets lots of gift certificates (bookstores, Macys, and Nordstrom are most popular) and those are put to very good use.

I don't think she's gotten many gifts that would be used in the classroom. Personally, I would want a gift to be for me, not the kids. I hope that doesn't sound stingy, but if you want to donate books, supplies, etc. for the classroom (rather than having teachers buy it with their own money), do that during the whole year!

Remember that teachers are way underpaid and often can't slurge on things like new clothes, CDs, or books unless there's a sale. The idea of a gift certificate for a spa/massage is also great. So would dinner/lunch at a restaurant.

[TamiK]

As a middle school teacher, I can always use gift certificates to bookstores or Target. Each year, I deduct close to $2,000 on my income tax for supplies and materials I use in my classroom. Also, it sounds trite, but a heartfelt letter of appreciation from the student or the parents means a lot. We never part with those things. I keep an inspiration file that I pull out on the days that I just wonder why I keep doing this. Most of us also love to get fresh flowers or potted plants. As someone said, too, don't forget your older kids' teachers. I am one of a team of 4 teachers my kids have. Very often, we don't get any recognition or gifts from our students and parents. I think it's because there are so many of us and it seems overwhelming. A plate of cookies for the team with individual notes of appreciation would feel good, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant for the four of us to have an end-of-school lunch would be nice. Personally, I appreciate the thought that goes into any gift, but there have been many (unfortunately) that have found their way to my donation-to-charity box.

[breadmama]

So many good ideas! I agree with TamiK - personal notes from the family and/or student are always appreciated. I created a Smile File for these notes, and I still like to read through them and remember those special kids. I always appreciated certificates, too, especially for books. Our school staff quietly gathered well-intentioned yet misfit gifts one year and donated them to a convalescent home nearby. The residents were so happy, and it seemed like a good use of the gifts we couldn't use.

[maryclare]

This may be a bit late, but I thought I would throw my 2 cents in... My husband is an elementary school teacher, which can present a challenge when most "teacher" gifts are somewhat feminine. He loves getting supplies for his class -- software, a class set of books (one of his favorites was a class set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). He also likes Christmas tree ornaments, and can recall where they came from as we decorate.

I agree with the suggestion of pooling together for a class gift. His class did that this year, and he was able to buy a digital camera which he has used for his class website and for power point presentations.

To repeat, gift certificates to restaurants and bookstores are always things he gets excited about.

Your child's teachers are lucky to have such a thoughtful parent in the class.

[AvrilH]

One year I mentioned to my mom that my favorite teacher drank (wincing) cold coffee all morning. Her idea was that I bring him brewed gourmet coffee in a thermos every morning for a week. He was thrilled.

This year, my son made bookmarks for Christmas presents, and included one in his card for his teacher. (This was an age-appropriate craft - he's only 5). I used the white cardboard from my pantyhose wrappers, we cut them into bookmark sizes, he decorated them with markers, then we had them laminated (we had 12 laminated for $2). Then we punched a hole in the top, and made tassles out of embroidery thread ($6). So each book mark was about 75 cents. He was pleased, and so were all the recipients, including his teacher.